Kingdom of Shadows and Wings (Dragons of Tirene, #1)

by Nina Frost

“Why are you doing this? Aren’t we all supposed to be on the same side?” “We’re on the same side,” Milton gestures between him and Elijah, “but you’re probably a Tirenese lover like your traitor of a sister. She could have had a real man. Elijah tried, but she sneered at him like he was beneath her. Probably horny for a pair of wing⁠—” Face blotching, Elijah punches Milton in the shoulder and hisses. “Shut up!” As the pieces start to click, the materializing picture confounds me. “Are you saying…is that the reason you have it in for me? Because you’re embarrassed my sister turned you down for a date?” His face reddens even more. “Not a date. I was bored and looking for a fuck, that’s all! It’s not like I liked her or anything.” A couple of heartbeats pass, and then I burst into laughter. I can’t help myself. The absurdity of the situation kills me. Is this what I missed out on, all those years I longed to be around people my age and one day meet someone to date and marry? Men who throw hissy fits and lash out because a woman told them no? Even toddlers can learn that concept. If Elijah and Milton represent the prospects out there, then I’d rather remain unattached and unmarried for the rest of my days. Better lonely than trapped with a man who can’t handle rejection.